Partner Newsletter Piece

This is a week dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources to healthcare professionals and the infection prevention community and to highlighting the expertise and role of the healthcare epidemiologist, patient advocates, and other healthcare professionals in outbreak prevention and response.

Disease outbreaks in healthcare settings put patients and providers at risk. Outbreaks can range from difficult-to-treat infections—such as MRSA, C. difficile, and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)—to deadly viruses like Ebola and SARS. No matter the size or type of outbreak, patients are at risk. A highly coordinated response and specialized expertise are required when any unusual pattern of illnesses is identified in the medical system.

During the week, SHEA and its partners will lead discussions and share information on topics such as:

Preventing healthcare associated infections

The benefits of antibiotic stewardship and risks of multidrug resistant organisms

How partnerships among hospitals and public health officials protect the community

The need for hospitals to both prevent and prepare for outbreaks and resources required

The need for sustainable funding for research and ongoing preparedness and coordination

Take part in the activities all week long on social media using #OPRW18.

Activities will include:

A Facebook Live on Tuesday, September 18, at 12:00 p.m. ET on Antibiotic Stewardship and Risks of Multidrug Resistant Organisms

A Twitter chat on partnerships in outbreak response, hosted by SHEA on September 19 at 3 p.m. EDT. Use #OPRW18Chat

A webinar on the “Who and What of a Disease Outbreak” with SHEA, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness National Healthcare Preparedness Program on September 20 at 12:00 p.m. EDT. Register for the webinar here.